Debbie Reynolds Named Executive Director of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association

Date: 07/05/12

From Bobby Cox, President, Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association:

On behalf of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association Board of Directors, please join us in welcoming Debbie Reynolds, as the Executive Director of the Association. Debbie was the Director of Events for the Association and enthusiastically accepted our offer to take on the new position effective July 1. Due to her knowledge of our industry, her many contacts with industry members, her engaging and infectious enthusiasm for the work of our Association and her reputation as an excellent manager, the opportunity to offer this position to Debbie was one about which the board felt unanimously favorable.

Debbie will advise the board and staff on all operational and event matters. She will work closely with Lou Bright, General Counsel, to ensure that our daily operations are as risk averse as possible, and with Dacota Haselwood, chief governmental affairs officer to maximize the effectiveness of the implementation of our legislative and regulatory strategy.

The board is served by the horizontally integrated staff team we have created. We expect to continue to gain the growth we need to match the needs of our growing industry. Financially, the Association is doing well, details of which were reported at the member meeting during the Annual Conference in San Marcos.

Debbie Reynolds Biography:

Debbie graduated from Dallas Baptist College in 1973 and received her Master's Degree from the University of North Texas. Debbie spent her career in all aspects of teaching and training holding positions as a public school teacher, college professor and in corporate training and consulting. She retired from American Airlines in 2007.

Debbie, a TWGGA volunteer for many years, joined the staff in 2011 as Director of Events. Over the past year the Association events have experienced more attendance, sponsorship, and educational opportunities. Debbie has worked with the Texas Department of Agriculture to win Specialty Crop Grants for the Association. She continues to keep membership at the forefront, reaching out to past and present members encouraging their support of the Association.

Debbie is Chair of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, member of ACS CAN, volunteer for the City of Grapevine, and on the Board of the Grapevine Wine Pouring Society.

Debbie has been married to Tom Reynolds since 1990. Together they share two sons, five grandchildren, and one very spoiled Chihuahua.